testudinate

[te-stood-n-it, -eyt, -styood-] /tɛˈstud n ɪt, -ˌeɪt, -ˈstyud-/

adjective

formed like the carapace of a tortoise; arched; vaulted.

chelonian.

noun

a turtle.

any member of the order Testudines, comprising turtles, tortoises, and terrapins.

Origin of testudinate

Latin

1720-1730

From the Latin word testūdinātus, dating back to 1720-30. See testudinal, -ate¹

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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2017.
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Historical Examples

The testudinate is employed where the span is not great, and where large rooms are provided in upper stories.

Ten Books on Architecture Vitruvius

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